During halftime at Newberry College, people will receive a spirited musical treat.
The Newberry College marching band is comprised of 95 members and is unique because according to the director of bands, Bill Long, it is completely student written.
Marching band students are quite instrumental in the organization of their band, Long points out.
For Newberry College, which is a smaller school, it is quite unheard of to have a larger marching band, he adds.
In fact, Newberry College is the only Lutheran college in the country with a marching band, Long says, adding to the uniqueness of the marching band program.
This year, the band members voted and selected on their theme which is Scarlet Spirit on Broadway. The name speaks for itself as the audience are able to enjoy Broadway music in a small town.
In addition to the students voting on their theme, they also write the music.
Senior James Boatright from Summerville wrote the main music while senior Travis Farrell from Pelion wrote the drill for the march. The students started writing over the summer.
The students prepared in the middle of August with a small band camp and also they practice three to four days a week depending on the scheduling demands.
When people come to the home games at Newberry College, they will hear music from “Wicked,” “Porgy and Bess,” and “Les Miserables.”
This is the first time the college’s marching band has done a Broadway theme and Long hopes that they appreciate the show, because they certainly enjoy performing.
The leaders of the band, the drum majors, are both juniors, Alisa Dunovant and T.J. Millwood. They work together closely, says Long.
The marching bands season started with the home game and ends with the last home game.
The next game is against Carson-Newman at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and people may enjoy the marching band as well as the dance team and color guard.
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